The FDA has rubber-stamped its approval of GMOs for our food supply for decades, ignoring its own scientists and never conducting the rigorous testing mandated in its own laws. This makes GMO products illegal as well as risky.

There is no labeling in Vermont because Monsanto threatened to sue the state if it passed.

The feds haven't promoted labeling because former Monsanto officials have positions of power in the FDA and USDA.

It's an imperfect bill, yes, but a huge step in the right direction. The paper should reconsider its position and support Proposition 37.

Wendy Caesar

Berkeley

Shame on Scouts for revoking membership

Shame on the Boy Scouts of America for revoking the membership of a boy after 12 years of Scouting.

His only crime was to be born gay and not believe in a supernatural being called God.

Advertisement

The Girl Scouts of America do not discriminate against gays and atheists, then why should the Boy Scouts discriminate? Atheists are just as moral as religionists, if not more so.

It's time for the BSA to get its act together.

As the leader of the Fremont Atheist Forum, we will discuss this issue and others from 10 to 11:45 a.m., Oct. 20, in the Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room.

David M. Mandell

Leader, Fremont Atheist Forum

Oakland is haven for the corrupt among us

Cowards by definition follow the path of least resistance. Anarchists are cowards who act out in devious, malevolent, evil ways for no apparent reason other than to destroy other people's lives and livelihoods in a random and cruel manner.

Who the heck in their right mind wants to operate a business in Oakland under these circumstances and with the appalling specter of violence and mayhem looming every day?

Under the auspices of the present municipal government, Oakland taxpayers and business owners are confronted with a reality so unappealing and an environment so daunting that one wonders how much longer before the place simply implodes.

We are very, very highly taxed in Oakland. We have the worst services imaginable. The fools who run the town have absolutely no idea what they are doing. The proof of this assertion is made manifest daily.

Oakland, my town, is a paradise for charlatans, fools, thugs, anarchists and thieves. The appalling ineptitude and cowardice of our municipal government is a danger to us all.

Jonathan C. Breault

Oakland

Article misguided about local business

I believe the recently published article, "The food stamp cash-in: East Bay businesses capitalize on EBT," showed a commendable concern for the health needs of persons who benefit from Alameda County's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), but was very misguided in reference to my family business, Dorsey's Locker.

We cook with fresh, healthy ingredients and do not cook with salt so as to be sensitive to the ever-present issue of hypertension in our community.

We offer a wide range of foods that are baked, grilled, fried and roasted, and fall into the category of restaurants that offer a balanced menu with delicious, fresh and affordable options.

It is most important to realize that healthy eating is a personal choice that begins with "self." We are happy that the SNAP program has given its recipients the option of being able to eat our delicious, healthy and affordable food that has been the choice of so many throughout the years.